This notion is highly relevant to the issue of deception, as bargainers
may have alternative means at their disposal. An instrumental
approach presupposes that bargainers will compare the benefits
and costs of such alternative means to those of using deception. If
using deception is considered unethical, it is conceivable that bargainers
may prefer an alternative means instead. Returning to our
example of crossing a red light, one would have to consider both
the benefits and costs of crossing the red light in relation to the benefits
and costs of taking an alternative route. In addition to the risk of
getting a fine, the merefact that crossing a red light is an illegal and to
some even an immoral act could be sufficient reason not to select
such an option and take the alternative route.